who we are

MissionThe purpose of the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic vitality and prosperity. We value a healthy and productive economic community. As a business organization we are responsible for ensuring the community's economic resources are preserved and well utilized. We believe in the operation of a competitive market place and, in general, oppose efforts to control supply and demand of goods and services.We value a high quality of life and expect our community to be welcoming to residents and visitors alike. We expect our streets to be safe, our parks to be inviting, our schools to provide quality education, and our natural resources to be sensitively utilized for the public good. ​

Independent Voice - Champion for Local IssuesThe Chamber is an independent voice for the local community. The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber and has not been a U.S. Chamber member for many years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a broad association, predominated by large businesses and industries and state-wide chambers of commerce. Its political positions tend to reflect the interest of large, multi-national corporations and traditional industry groups.

The Santa Cruz Chamber’s focus is on local Santa Cruz area issues and policies. While we may join with others to advocate for state or national policy in areas of local Santa Cruz County concern (e.g., education, local tourism, regional land use, water and transportation policies, state and local governance) the Chamber dedicates its efforts to matters in which it can have the greatest influence at a local Santa Cruz area level.You can read more about Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce's separation from the U.S. Chamber in We are NOT the U.S. Chamber!

We value fairness and efficiency in community decision making. We believe the business community must play an active role in public decision making. The Chamber will provide business people the means to act collectively, influencing decisions of economic significance in our community.We value efficient and sustainable business practices, which produce quality goods and services. We want to continuously improve the level of excellence in business practices throughout our community. We will set an example as a well-run business

Chamber GoalsThe Chamber has five major strategic goals.

I. Economic Environment: The Economic Environment in the Chamber’s sphere of influence attracts and retains workers, entrepreneurs and capital as a result of a positive reputation as an attractive location to live, work, and do business. Community policies, the community of business leaders, and community resources enhance the evolution and growth of Santa Cruz’s economic base.

II. Member Success – Knowledge Transfer: The Santa Cruz Economic Community is differentiated by effective educational experiences, networks of those with shared needs and interests, and the efficient and effective organization of working groups to address threats and opportunities. The knowledge based sectors of the Santa Cruz economic community are recognized as an effective and successful business environment with great opportunities for growth.

III. Member Success – Member Resources: Members of the Chamber have a measurable competitive advantage that results from the use of Chamber resources and participation in Chamber activities.

IV. Strategic Vision: The Chamber will be a purpose driven organization, committed to continuous improvement, linking goals and strategies to specific implementation milestones and benchmarks.

V. Chamber Success: The Chamber is recognized as a model of business competence, of purpose-driven organizational design, and of an effective community partner.

Fast FactsSanta Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce member organizations range from single-person, home-based businesses to large organizations of more than 200 people.

There are more than 15,000 individual Santa Cruzans employed by Santa Cruz Chamber member organizations.

68% of our member organizations have nine or fewer employees

54% of individuals at Santa Cruz Chamber member organizations work at organizations with more than 200 employees

Our longest-standing member has been with the Chamber since 1920

We have members from every area of Santa Cruz County, from Davenport and Boulder Creek in the north of Santa Cruz County, to Santa Cruz and Capitola on the coast, to Freedom and Watsonville in south county.

Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization

Our Board is made up of members who volunteer without compensation

We are in independent chamber and are not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber

We are the seventh largest business organization in northern California

We have been advocating for Santa Cruz businesses and the community since 1889